At the humble age of 3, TJ ran away from his parents during a vacation in Colorado. They found him in an arcade, standing on a chair, playing Neo Geo's World Heroes. Years later, TJ has a passion for video games across most all genres and is particularly interested in the cultural shifts and trends of video game development. When he's not playing around on PCs and consoles, he's writing creatively and working on short stories and ideas for novels or checking out bad movies with a few friends over a few drinks and some laughs, whichever comes first.
T.J. Denzer
The Man Who Laughs: The Best Joker Cosplay
When it comes to an icon like Batman, creation of a true foil requires care and precision, and there is perhaps no one better to fit the bill than the Joker. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the Joker debuted in the first issue of Batman back in 1940. Originally meant to be killed off in his debut, The Joker instead survived to become Batman’s perfect antithesis in morality, philosophy and methods. He is a criminal mastermind who has been in the spotlight in many of Bruce Wayne’s most trying of times as defender of Gotham.
No doubt, it is his place high on the throne in the pantheon of Batman baddies that drives cosplayers to take up his iconic bleached skin, green hair, and sinister smile. From the toothy grin, to the flashy get-up, these cosplayers bring the Joker to life in a fashion that will leave you calling for the Caped Crusader. These are the best Joker cosplays.
No Brighter Stars: The Best Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel Cosplay
Introduced in 1968, there a few women in comics with such a storied history of strength and determinaton as Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel. Carol is a character who works hard at building the brightest possible tomorrow and the best version of herself. It's precisely that kind of attitude that inspired Kamala Khan, the young hero from Jersey City, to adopt the Ms. Marvel codename when she came into powers of her own.
No matter whether they’re taking on the mantle of Ms. Marvel or Captain Marvel, these cosplayers bring the best of the hero to the surface on the convention floor. These are the best Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel cosplays.
What’s New Pussycat? The Best Catwoman Cosplay [Pride Week]
For all of the time that Catwoman has been around, there have been numerous and varied iterations, providing a wealth of options to cosplayers. It’s always a delight to see a Catwoman at a convention, whether she’s in the old-school cape and suit, the various versions from Batman '66, the patched latex donned by Michelle Pfeiffer in the Batman Returns film, the body suit and cowl of the ‘90s animated series, or even the sleek and sophisticated look of the newer outfits based on Darwyn Cooke's fan-favorite redesign. In all forms, these cosplayers embody DC’s finest thief and famous femme fatale.
Bringing Other Worlds to Life: The Best Video Game Cosplay
With such rich tapestries to draw from, video games provide cosplayers with incredible creative opportunities. We’ve compiled a massive collection of cosplay inspired by video game characters to celebrate the dedication and passion of these fans, with costumes that runs the gamut from the truly iconic to the downright obscure. Some of these costumes are simple and clean; others are dazzlingly complex; but each cosplayer brings a personal touch to these memorable heroes, villains, and side-characters. These are the best video game cosplays.
Something Good, Something Bad, and a Little Bit of Both: The Best Guardians of the Galaxy Cosplay
Has there ever been a more rag-tag group of intergalactic outsiders than the Guardians of the Galaxy?
We’ve brought together some of the best Guardians of the Galaxy cosplay; whether it’s the cool nature of Peter Quill, the deadly demeanor of Gamora, or the imposing force of Groot, these cosplayers bring out the best of the team's most high-profile line-up. Together or apart, these cosplayers bring the galaxy’s first line of defense to life in excellent fashion.
More Than Super: The Best Power Girl Cosplay
This week we bring you a gallery that puts the spotlight on the best Power Girl cosplayers. In the easily recognizable white uniform, red cape, and blue gloves and boots, each cosplayer embodies the powerful stature and cool confidence of Kara Zor-L. Power Girl may have gone through a number of retcons throughout her publication history, but these cosplayers capture her at her best and brightest. These are the best Power Girl cosplays.
To Me My X-Men: The Best Original X-Men Cosplay [Mutant Week]
The original X-Men, co-created in 1963 by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, featured only five young mutants. Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel, and Iceman made up Professor X's first class, and the world’s last line of defense against Magneto and his evil Brotherhood of Mutants.
No matter which mutant hero is your favorite, each of these characters sees some representation among a devout fan base. In every form and in every evolution, these characters can be found throughout the convention circuit, and we've gathered some their appearances here just for you. Journey back to the atomic age as we look at the best original X-Men cosplay.
Gotham’s Bird of Prey: The Best Batgirl Cosplay Ever
Batman doesn’t do it alone. Gotham is a big city, and the Caped Crusader has called on a number of trustworthy allies and protégés to help him keep the peace. This time around, we’re putting the spotlight on one of his most popular partners: Batgirl.
With so many different personalities under the cowl over the years, it’s no wonder that cosplayers take to the character with such gusto. Batgirl is a popular go-to for fans, and a common sight on the convention floor. Each cosplayer brings their own flair to the wonderful icon that Batgirl has become; from the colorful ’60s costumes to the sleekness of the Black Bat costume, from Bette Kane to Stephanie Brown, these talented fans wear the mantle with pride. These are the best Batgirl cosplays.
The Belle and The Bandit: The Best Rogue and Gambit Cosplay
Rogue and Gambit have had a sketchy history beyond their tenure as X-Men. Both of them have been villains, and are linked to other, much more sinister characters in the Marvel universe. Could it be that’s why they make such an interesting couple?
Rogue and Gambit have a fanbase that loves to cosplay --- in fact they're one of the most popular couples cosplays on the convention circuit. So whether you enjoy the rugged charm of Gambit, the vibrant strength of Rogue, or the balancing act of the two of them together, you can get a taste of both in all their forms here in this gallery of the best Rogue and Gambit cosplay.
Your Bucky: The Best Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes Cosplay
In honor of America’s favorite sidekick-turned-assassin-turned-bromantic best pal, we’ve gathered a slate of cosplay running the gamut of Bucky in both his teen partner and Winter Soldier states. Whether they’re backing Cap in the classic WWII gear, or facing off against him with the cybernetic enhancements of Winter Soldier, these cosplayers portray the evolution and complexity of Bucky across the ages. These are the best Bucky Barnes cosplays.